A Prayer About Complaining

When I tend to whine

HEAVENLY FATHER,

Maybe I didn’t get enough sleep last night, with what was on my mind and all that tossing and turning, or had a bad breakfast or hated the weather or the traffic or . . . , but in any case, I was in a sour mood today. I felt tired, had a headache, and seemed sensitive to everything. My disposition and conversations were negative, and I seemed to find fault in every situation with every person—no big blowups, but snarling and bickering all day. When someone made a statement, even about something as innocuous as a favorite TV show, my first response was to disagree. I don’t like that version of me, Father, and I’m sure no one else does either. I certainly do not appreciate other people acting that way, so why should I be an exception? I know the world does not revolve around my schedule and needs, but sometimes I forget that. Lord, instead of being a complainer, I want to be known as an encourager. Please change my outlook and attitude and help me shine for you—every day.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14-15